I’m 37 years old. As such I consider myself not far removed from the present generation of players and I am of a similar vintage to the growing pool of ‘young’ managers, such as Kieran McGeeney, Jason Ryan, James Horan, Jim McGuinness and Eamonn Fitzmaurice.

What excuses have Cork left? Following the 2013 Munster final defeat 12 months ago, it was suggested they lacked leadership on the field and indeed direction on the sideline.

There is something special about being the best, and the weight of expectation that accompanies it.

The armchair pundit can be cynical, malicious and extremely cutting and this can be viewed as acceptable by many.

At some stage in your life you end up on the other side of a table having a discussion with your manager about how the previous few weeks has been from a performance perspective.

Worrying times for followers of football in the province.

Saturday night, the first day of February, an orange weather warning across the country and still 26,000 fans turn out to watch the first game of the National League under lights.

Leaving Croke Park, I am laden with the strangest of feelings.

Five final questions. Stupid or not, their relevance will be decided tomorrow

What a brilliant game of football.